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More often than not, we wonder where the inspiration comes from for writers. Surely, no two writers have the same set of inspiration, or the same sources of inspiration, right? Do inspiration just fall from the sky? Well, figuratively, maybe. Literally, no.

Inspiration is an almost uncertain commodity that you cannot comprehend why it is forming but when it is formed, you know you have come up with something new. They usually shape themselves according to personal experiences, strong emotions, or sometimes just out of the blue.

For example, have you found yourself thinking of what to write just before you fall asleep? As you drift into the state of unconsciousness, you are actually in that relaxation mode that allows new ideas to seep in. Uninvited ”visitors” you might say. But sometimes, they should be very welcomed indeed.  

Truth is, inspiration can come knocking at the most unknowing or unexpected hour. You don’t even have to think of what you want to write. It comes to you. You ask then, how, do you keep the flow of inspiration coming in? Surely, you can’t tune your mind into that “inspiration” mode and make it stay that way? Surely you don’t have all the time in the world to visit art galleries everyday, stroll along the beaches every evening, right?

Then again, inspiration comes when you are open-minded. This simply means being receptive to new ideas. Be it hanging out with new friends, visiting new places of interests, or just watching that sort of movie you never thought you would have watched, they are all sources of inspiration.

Sure enough, you might not want to leave your notebook at home. And for the tech-savvy, a mobile phone, PDA, or laptop would come in handy in the case when you have a sudden inspiration that could be a good plot for your fiction or good substance for that piece of poetry or song, or could even be a good piece of non-fiction content. Personally, I like penning thoughts down. And in any case my notebook is not with me, I just type those ideas down and record them down in my mobile phone.

It never fails to amaze me how my mind is constantly in search of new inspiration out of my everyday life. Each day could be an inspirational-filled day, and is really up to you to decide. Just remember, don’t pull a chair each morning beside your coffee table and struggle to find what to write. Instead, enjoy a cup of coffee, listen to some music, read some book perhaps, and let inspiration come to you.

A whole new mind promises a whole new world of infinite possibilities. So, keep an open mind. Say bye-bye to writer’s block. Say hello to inspiration.